Woe #3

[Note to the reader: Occasionally I'll put one of my morning devotions on here. I'll read passages and write down the thoughts of a verse or more that jumps out. This morning it was one verse: Luke 11:44.] In this passage Jesus is really dealing some hard truth to the Jewish religious leaders. They had pretty much become legalistic, very religious, but no earthly good as far as God was concerned. They talked a good game, and they put on a great facade; but Jesus let them know the Father wasn't happy with them. In this third "Woe" Jesus told them that they were like unmarked graves that men walk over. In Jewish custom a person was considered unclean/corrupted if they came in contact with a grave (Numbers 19:16). They would have to go through rituals to become clean. They would have to stay away from the temple seven days. Therefore, the Jews marked their grave-sites very clear. Yet, Jesus calls the religious leaders "unmarked graves"just waiting for someone to walk over and become corrupted. Jesus probably couldn't have hit them with a harder insult as he spoke the word of truth to them. You see, it was all about appearance to them, not real life application of Scripture. --- It's easy to get after these Jews and even the legalistic church-goers of today. However, how many of us are just trying to look good to those around us, and not living the transformed life (christ-like) that is presented in the Scriptures? "Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God" may be found in the Old Testament, but it still reflects the heart and life God expects from His children. When God speaks to you, whether it is through sermon, personal study and quiet time with God, podcast, radio-preacher, or whatever are you applying the lessons God teaches you to your daily walk? If not, you and I are no better than these hypocrites. Live a life of real change. Let the Word of God marinate into your life.